Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is a man you can debate and rave about, but just can’t ignore him. He is one leader who wields unparalleled power in Gujarat.
But what is interesting is the way women of the state perceive this charismatic leader.
Widely known by his Gujarati initials Namo, Modi has been popular among womenfolk for long, especially for taking on the ‘anti-national’ forces without fear. Post riots, women particularly Hindu women, have felt that things for them might have been worse if not for Modi.
”There were times when my daughter would be late from college, but I still would not worry so much because in Modi’s rule, things are in control,” said Shanta Sheth, a housewife from Ahmedabad.
The women also believe that many more Hindus would have fallen to the Gujarat violence if not for Modi. So strong has the suave leader’s hold been that many will go ahead and vote for BJP simply because Modi belongs to that party.
”I admit that I was not really familiar with the name of the local candidate, but I still voted for him because he was from Modi’s party,” said Anahita Parekh, who works as an industrial psychologist in Surat.
What also attracts Gujarati women about Modi is the development in the state. ”He is the man who will work for Gujarat. He has already done a lot of work in the state and it’s out there for everyone to see,” said Hina Patel, who works as a teacher in Baroda.
But many women, from the upper echelons of society, feel that Modi exploits the communal nerve of the state to his advantage.
”I will admit that the man has great presence and influence, but I feel his attitude towards women is quite condescending. Which is why I feel his propaganda will work only amongst the illiterates,” said Himani Desai, who works as a freelance copywriter in Surat.
In fact, a large number of women social activists recently launched a campaign to oust Modi in Maninagar from where he contested this election. The activists have also drawn a connection between the ideology of hate and crimes against women.
According to them Gujarat is no more a safe place for women and children and Modi has done nothing to address them.
But one thing that women across the state agree upon is that Modi does have a flamboyant presence.
Every time he appears on television or speaks at a rally, he does have the art of holding people’s rapt attention. Women especially can’t help but notice his panache. It’s a major reason for his popularity among womenfolk – something that even helps him in getting votes.
”There is a lot of raw energy that he exudes. You can’t help but stop to hear what he has to say. He uses his voice, his eyes and his words, for the right effect,” said Mrinalini Mehta, a college student.
It seems clear then that whether they like it or not, women can’t deny that Modi does have that ”jenais se quoi” – if you get my drift!
Now, that’s what you call a real ”feminine appeal”.
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